Discover La Palma flowers in spring: an unforgettable sensory experience where vibrant colors and intense aromas merge into a symphony of natural beauty. The blooming season transforms the island into a true paradise for nature lovers, offering a burst of colors and scents that awaken the senses and create lasting memories.
Discover the beauty of La Palma flowers: native and adapted blooms that enrich the island
The island of La Palma, also known as the “Beautiful Island”, is home to a plethora of indigenous flowers that enhance its landscape and infuse its pathways and mountains with color and scent. Let’s delve into some of the most iconic and captivating flowers you can encounter on La Palma.
Starting at the island’s summits, we find a collection of unique, endemic plants that have adapted to extreme altitude and climate conditions. Some of these flowers include:
Mountain Broom or Canary Islands Genista (Genista Canariensis)
This plant is native to the Canary Islands and typical of the summits of La Palma and other islands in the archipelago. It stands out with its yellow flowers and shrub-like appearance. The Mountain Broom blooms between May and July, creating a vibrant color spectacle in the island’s highest regions and filling the air with its sweet aroma.
Tajinaste (Echium wildpretii)
The Tajinaste is an endemic plant of the Canary Islands, primarily found on the peaks of La Palma and Tenerife. This biennial plant can grow up to 3 meters in height and is distinguished by its stunning deep red flowers, more typical of Tenerife, or the violet ones that are characteristic of La Palma. Its name derives from the Guanche word meaning “needle”, referencing its unique lanceolate shape. In Tenerife, Tajinaste is used in honey production. It blooms in spring, from May to June.
Summit Violet (Viola palmensis)
This petite violet-colored flower is native to the summits of La Palma and thrives in the rocky and rugged areas of the island. The Summit Violet blooms between March and May and stands as one of the island’s rarest and most protected flowers.
Broom (Adenocarpus foliolosus)
Similar to Retamón, the broom is an endemic shrub found on the summits of the Canary Islands. Its clustered yellow flowers are striking, adding a splash of color to the higher regions of La Palma. They can especially be appreciated from spring to early summer along mountain roads.
In the lower regions of the island:
May Flower (Pericallis cruenta)
The May Flower is an endemic plant of La Palma and the Canary Islands, recognized by its deep purple or violet blooms. This flower, cherished for its beauty, often graces the laurel forests, thriving in the moist terrains of the island.
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
Originally endemic to Mexico, this plant is widely recognized as the symbol of Christmas in many European countries. However, the subtropical climate of the island allows the poinsettia, quite abundant in La Palma, to grow as a bush reaching up to 3 meters in height, flowering up until Easter.
Frangipani (Plumeria rubra)
While not native to La Palma, frangipani is commonly found on the island due to its adaptability and beauty. This tropical plant is distinguished by its flowers, which come in a range of colors like white, pink, yellow, and red, emitting a sweet and delicate fragrance. Frangipani is a popular choice for gardens and parks in La Palma.
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra)
Bougainvillea is another non-native plant that’s widely present in La Palma. Its striking bright-colored flowers, in shades like pink, red, orange, and white, adorn many facades and gardens of the island. Thanks to its resilience and ease of cultivation, bougainvillea is highly cherished on the island.
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
Although not indigenous to the Canary Islands, it has acclimated well to the climate and become a regular feature of the island’s flora. Also known as the “bird of paradise”, the strelitzia hails from South Africa but has found a home in the Canary Islands, including La Palma. In fact, it’s become a symbol of the islands. Its striking flower, reminiscent of an exotic bird’s head, boasts vibrant colors such as orange, blue, and green. The bird of paradise is prized for its ornamental beauty and is a common sight in the squares and parks of the island.
Exploring La Palma’s marvelous proteas: Cultivating and exporting an exceptional, exotic bloom
Beyond its native and adapted flowers, La Palma is also recognized for producing and exporting proteas. The protea (Protea Cynaroides) is an exotic flower native to South Africa, grown on the island because of its favorable climate. Proteas are known for their uniquely shaped large blooms and a wide range of colors. These flowers are highly valued in the international floriculture market, boasting great ornamental worth, and represent a burgeoning sector in La Palma’s economy.
Protea cultivation covers approximately 30 hectares of land in La Palma, primarily located in San Andrés y Sauces, Breña Alta, and El Paso. From February to May, a protea shrub can yield up to 60 flowers, which, when cut, are remarkably long-lasting.
